NOTE: I'm obviously not the best modeller out there, so with my limited knowledge I just hope to share with anyone what I know, and hopefully it will help some of you :)
This will be a basic guide on How to Build Gundams/Models in general. There's no such thing as the "best" way, this is just my way of approaching it (which is actually the "most efficient way" to me anyway) XD
Any construction of a model basically has three main steps.
1. Planning
2. Assembly
3. Painting
1. Planning
a) Research
Finding a model that you're interested in building, possibly from an anime you saw or just looked visually appealing to you. Remember you have to find something that you want, and that is suitable for your level. Because it's going to look bad even if it's a good model kit, if your skill level doesn't match up. I know this because I personally don't think my models look that good, but another person with the same kit can build such masterpieces T^T.
Finding a model that you're interested in building, possibly from an anime you saw or just looked visually appealing to you. Remember you have to find something that you want, and that is suitable for your level. Because it's going to look bad even if it's a good model kit, if your skill level doesn't match up. I know this because I personally don't think my models look that good, but another person with the same kit can build such masterpieces T^T.
Is there a particular pose or gimmick (eg. BIG SWORD/GUN is what I usually look for hehe) you're looking for? Some models have limited mobility and will not look good or pose the way you want. Therefore personally I YOUTUBE a lot for reviews of model kits or I go to this site Dalong Gundam Kit Review, which is in korean, but it's pretty self explanatory and it has extensive pictures to show it's poseability and what gimmicks the model kits come with.
This is also the time where you think about possible modifications in terms of details such as extra armor, bigger wings etc. You should have a paint scheme in mind and possibly any modifications that you think would make the model look more appealing. However for starters it's probably easier to just follow the same build and colours as the box, also known as built OOB (out of the box).
After you've found one you want, it's time to go get it.
b) Getting the model
Well the easy way is to actually buy it from a local hobby store. This may not be easy in terms of price and availability. Personally I only know two places locally that sell gundam models hence my main source is either going back to Hong Kong/Japan or Ebay.
Well the easy way is to actually buy it from a local hobby store. This may not be easy in terms of price and availability. Personally I only know two places locally that sell gundam models hence my main source is either going back to Hong Kong/Japan or Ebay.
This is a site which I use to browse what's available nowadays, and it also shows good basic box views and completed views.
c) Planning the build
After you've got the model, it's best to read through the manual to get a feel for how the things are put together. Most Bandai models have good manuals and are self explanatory, but some other brands have quite complex or unclear instructions so reading it carefully beforehand is ideal.
Planning out the MODS - what you want it to look like, how you're going to achieve that and what materials you'll need, eg. glue, putty, pla-plates.
Planning the paint job - covered in the Painting section.
After you've got the model, it's best to read through the manual to get a feel for how the things are put together. Most Bandai models have good manuals and are self explanatory, but some other brands have quite complex or unclear instructions so reading it carefully beforehand is ideal.
Planning out the MODS - what you want it to look like, how you're going to achieve that and what materials you'll need, eg. glue, putty, pla-plates.
Planning the paint job - covered in the Painting section.
2. Assembly
Basic assembly includes
a) cutting - parts off the trees
b) pegs - removing left ova bits from tress
c) sanding - away excess bits
d) putting it together
1. Glue - By gluing two bits together there will be no gap, and after it has dried, sanding it down will remove any excess glue.
2. Putty - If after gluing it is still very evident the gap exists, putty can be used over it, and sanded down until dry.
Putty - Used to fill gaps
Types :
1. Tamiya putty - these come in a tube and you basically just squeeze a bit out and apply it onto the area with a toothpick or something, it is quite thick with a texture similar to toothpaste at first and airdries. Best used for filling small gaps.
2. Mr Surfacer 500 - these come in a jar, and instead of toothpaste like texture it is more of a viscous liquid. This tends to be quite runny/watery, therefore I usually mask off the area I want to apply it to, apply putty, then take off the mask which results in a very clean line of putty which I can sand away easily later.
3. Epoxy Putty - These will come with two different coloured playdough like strips usually. These putties dry via a chemical reaction and therefore require kneadling/mixing before use. Good for filling large gaps (since the above two putties require air drying, epoxy putties are better for filling large holes/gaps and will still dry. Note: depending on type of epoxy putty used, it is usually better to wait 15min or so before starting putty work, because it is initially quite sticky. Water usually prevents putty sticking from fingers/tools (gloves recommended, skin peeling has been evident to my friend who used it with his barehands).
Mods - This is where your creativity really shines, and should be a factor that distinguishes the same model kit form another. With infinite possibilities
Sanding - Sanding is a major part of any build and will help the
3. Painting & Decals
Primer
Base Paint
Paint Types x 3
Masking
Decal
Panel Lining
Overcoat (matt/gloss)
4. Extra
Spray-booth
Photo-booth
Assembly section done
